Using brain stimulation to improve memory in older adults and healthy individuals
Targeted Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Hippocampal-dependent Declarative Memory Abilities
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help improve memory in older adults with mild cognitive issues and healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Trial ID | NCT03574207 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the effects of non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on memory improvement in healthy adults and older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The study aims to determine if repetitive TMS (rTMS) can enhance memory abilities by retuning memory-related brain networks. Participants will undergo memory assessments before and after rTMS treatment, with a control phase using sham rTMS to compare results. The study will include 48 subjects, divided into groups of healthy young adults, healthy older adults, and older adults with aMCI.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy adults aged 19 and older, as well as older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric or neurological diseases, or those with certain medical implants, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments for memory deficits in older adults and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
The investigators anticipate enrolling 48 subjects total: * 16 healthy young adults (age 19-35) * 16 healthy older adults (demographically matched to aMCI group for age, sex, and educational attainment) * 16 older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults 19 years of age and older 2. Healthy adults without history of psychiatric or neurological disease OR previous diagnosis of amnestic MCI 3. Must be able to provide informed consent 4. Must have the ability to comply with basic instructions and have the ability to sit comfortably still for TMS, neuroimaging, and other study procedures. 5. Right-handed based on self-report (pre-screening) and evaluation with a standard test. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals who have ferrous metal implanted in their body (other than in their teeth) or any other non-removable medical and/or metallic implant 2. Individuals who have increased intracranial pressure 3. Individuals who have any major medical illness (e.g., cancer, HIV+, hepatitis, heart disease) 4. Individuals who have confounding/dual diagnoses (e.g., comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder) 5. Individuals with current diagnoses of alcohol or substance abuse/dependence 6. Individuals with epilepsy, any history of seizures, or using medication that lowers seizure threshold 7. Individuals with any neurological disorder other than aMCI (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury) 8. Pregnant females --- as determined by urine pregnancy test --- will be excluded from this study due to uncertainty of the effects of MRI and TMS on the fetus 9. Not right-handed based on self-report (pre-screening) or evaluation with a standard test 10. Not a native English speaker.
Where this trial is running
Omaha, Nebraska
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, Nebraska, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David E Warren, PhD — University of Nebraska
- Study coordinator: Anna Wilhelm, MA
- Email: wnl@unmc.edu
- Phone: 402-559-5805
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.